As we finally head into the 2019-20 season, how will the Portland Trail Blazers fare against the media’s new consensus favorite team in Los Angeles?
The Clippers sent shock waves through the NBA when they announced a bank heist of a deal that netted the long forgotten little brother in LA two bonafide superstars and top ten players. But the Portland Trail Blazers already broke the internet last year when they vanquished both the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder from the postseason.
Who will come out on top in this match up of David vs. Goliath?
Recent History
- Last year head-to-head: (3-1)
- Last decade head-to-head: (18-19)
- Most recent playoff meeting: 2016 WC first round, Portland won in 6 games
As even as the head-to-head series has been over the last decade, it never feels that way at any given period in time. These two teams seem to repeatedly avoid each other’s window of contentions. Jail Blazers, Lob City, you name it. These two teams are just never good at the same time. But now they are. And it will be incredibly interesting to see if the perennial underdog team in Portland has enough in the tank to take out this year’s media darling and returning Finals MVP.
Key Matchups
With Pat Beverley expected to be tasked with the duty of tying up CJ McCollum, it can be assumed Paul George will once again be defending Lillard in close game situations with the game on the line. I’m sure he’d love to outlive being the victim of one the most iconic shots of this whole generation, but the internet is not one too forget. Beating Dame at his own game would be a decent consolation prize, keep your eyes peeled for whenever these twos square off this season.
Out with the old, in with the new. Kent Bazemore is a strong candidate to take over starting small forward duties on this year’s roster. He’ll be filling the void left by Harkless, who spent the last four years playing wing for the Portland Trail Blazers. Harkless will relish in the opportunity to exact revenge on his former team, retooling his game and delivering a lethal blow while Portland is preoccupied with planning for the Clippers’ pair of superstars.
What to Expect
As much as we hate losing to LA, we need to accept the reality that the Clippers are going to be the most difficult team in the Western Conference next year. Unlike most teams in the NBA, the Clippers are equipped with a wealth of perimeter defense that could potentially pose a threat and disrupt Dame and CJ’s rhythms. Harkless could also provide a little insider knowledge to help overcome his own former team.
The Clippers also have enough star power to match the Portland Trail Blazers, and an even deeper bench rotation. If the Blazers hope to survive a postseason encounter with LA, they better bring their A-games every night, as well as a little luck. This LA team is going to be be no easy out in next year’s NBA Playoffs.